N.C. businesses will most likely face an increase in the employer tax in 2003 because the sluggish economy and a large number of unemployed workers have drained the state's unemployment fund. The proposed increase, slated to begin Jan. 1, 2003, would increase the current rate -- 1.2 percent for the first $15,000 earned by an employer -- by 50 percent.
The amount of patent applications and small business startups at research universities around the nation has increased dramatically over the past few years, according to a recent study. Research universities are being more assertive by filing for more technology patents and fostering more small-business relationships, according to a study released by the Association of University Technology Managers. The AUTM is a nonprofit organization that manages intellectual property by representing 142 universities around the nation.
Despite the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Spring Break travel among college students has not faced a dramatic decline. College students are still traveling, but domestic and continental destinations are more popular this year than in years past. Mark Phillips from the Chapel Hill office of STA Travel said there has been a decline in international travel booking this year. He said travel to Europe, the Bahamas and Jamaica has decreased, noting that preference is now given to continental and domestic travel.
A recent poll indicates that Sept. 11 prompted college students across the nation to change their perspectives and priorities. According to the survey, 22 percent of college students stated that they are spending more time studying, 32 percent are praying more, and 24 percent have increased volunteer time in their communities. In January, more than 600 college students from across the nation were polled on the impact that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have had on their daily lives. The survey results were released Feb. 7.
A five-member panel addressed student concerns about tuition uses and possible increases during a Wednesday night forum at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center. Topics discussed included recent campus-initiated tuition increase requests, alternatives to tuition increases and the role of the N.C. General Assembly in funding the UNC system. About 80 people, including students from system schools statewide, listened to the panel members field questions of concern about the fairness of recent tuition increases. The panel included higher education leaders and state legislators.
Local government officials, already weary of budget cuts, said that although the impact of more cuts recently announced by Gov.
